Children around the world have known the names of Barbie and Kenny since 1959, who became the stars of the summer of 2023 thanks to Greta Gerwig’s film, directed by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. But do you know why dolls are called that?
Barbie’s answer is currently in theaters, and it’s given during a scene where the famous doll meets her creator, Ruth Handler (Rhea Perlman), who admits that she named her daughter after Barbara.
Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. Except in the movie where, when she returns to the real world in the final scene, the heroine announces that her name is Barbara Handler. A way to come full circle and pay your last respects to the doll maker as well as his daughter.
On the other hand, Ken’s name is Kenneth Sean Carson. And it was named after Ruth Handler’s husband. who never gave any of his creations to friends, while he was repeatedly inspired by his personal and family life. Especially since Alan was named after him. which really existed.
Alan (Michael Cera)
Playing Michael Cera in the film, he has everything from the character born in the minds of Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach. But no. He first appeared as Kenny’s friend in 1964 and had about ten variants until 2014, when he lost “M” His name became Alan in 1991.
You don’t have to look far in Ruth Handler’s family circle to understand the origin of her original name, as Alan was the first name of her son-in-law, her daughter Barbara’s husband. A family story to the end and even on the big screen, Greta Gerwig, who wrote the film with her partner Noah Baumbach.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
